A Maxed Out Mac Mini With Full Upgrades Will Cost You $4,200

[pastrychef]

Here's an HP Z2 and the new Mac Mini.
The HP CPU is one generation older than the one in the Mac Mini.
Both have same RAM, same sized SSD.
The HP doesn't have Thunderbolt or option for 10GBase-T.
Pricing seems very competitive to me.

Source: https://store.hp.com/us/en/Configur...Id=&catEntryId=3074457345618972822&quantity=1

Source: https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-mac/mac-mini

 

[Beerorden]

Apple today introduced a long-awaited refreshed Mac mini, which has been reengineered to take advantage of the newest hardware available on the market.

The Mac mini features 4 and 6-core 8th-generation Intel processors, up to 64GB RAM, four Thunderbolt 3 ports, and up to 2TB of flash storage space.

The entry-level Mac mini with a 3.6GHz quad-core processor, 8GB RAM, Intel UHD Graphics 630, and a 128GB SSD is available for $799, which is $300 more expensive than the most affordable Mac mini was previously.

A middle-tier base model is available with a 3.0GHz 6-core processor, 8GB RAM, Intel UHD Graphics 630 and a 256GB SSD for $1,099.

Apple has added plenty of upgrade options aimed at pro level Mac mini users who want the fastest desktop-class machine in the smallest package.

A maxed out Mac mini with a 3.2GHz 6-core Intel Core i7 processor, Intel UHD Graphics 630, 64GB RAM, a 2TB SSD, and upgraded 10 Gigabit Ethernet is priced at a whopping $4,199.

Despite the high price tag, the upgrade options should make Mac mini customers who were awaiting more powerful features happy with this year's refresh. Prior to today, the Mac mini had not been updated since 2014.

The new Mac mini is available for pre-order today and orders will be delivered starting on November 7.

Article Link: A Maxed Out Mac Mini With Full Upgrades Will Cost You $4,200

[doublepost=1541397783][/doublepost]I don't like to call people names, but anyone who would buy this is a FOOL! Frankly this is just a smack in the face from Apple and it's rude and arrogant to charge that much. To not even have dedicated gpu? This should have a 1080ti or 2080ti, hell, even a Titan; or Radeon Pro since Apple like AMD so much. Zotac and Intel have those mini machines out now that blow this out of the water and they top out at half the cost. Apple is on some whole other sh*t lately. Saying that their new iPad Pro A12X chip can out perform most Core i7 and Xeon processors, as well as the Xbox One X. That's like comparing Apples to Escargot. I'm a PC person, will always say that a PC at the same price point will blow Apple out of the water. I do like Apple for certain things (I'm on a Mac right now), I'm an Audio Producer, so Core Audio works amazing with external devices. Even before this though, they have been screwing over people in my field with ditching PCIe, which ProTools HDX users require; many have switched over to HP Z Workstations, (which makes a maxed out iMac Pro look like an Atari BTW). I'm getting longwinded, so I'll wrap it up. The arrogance of this is enough that I will not buy another Apple product out of principle. I've been highly considering switching back to PC and this just solved that. Shame on you, Apple.

 

[Sedulous]

It seems ok except for the overpriced SSD. They are 2x even retail prices. Except that doesn't seem to matter because once again, Apple opted for future destroying soldered part.

 

[RobbieTT]

[doublepost=1541397783][/doublepost]I don't like to call people names, but anyone who would buy this is a FOOL! Frankly this is just a smack in the face from Apple and it's rude and arrogant to charge that much.

I hope the ranting helped. Can you point to alternative mini-PC that has a similar 6-core, TB3, 10GbE & T3-SSD?

Regarding the GPU is there any mini-PC out there with a 1080ti or equivalent GPU fitted - most GPU cards of that specification seem to have a volume larger than the Mac mini itself?

With Apple using the T2 architecture for the SSD controller there just isn't a retail equivalent on the market even if the NAND was removable. To gain the security and blazing fast speeds the trade-off is zero modification down the line. The only painful part is the price premium Apple puts on adding additional raw NAND flash chips. Raw NAND flash with no controller should be cheaper than the equivalent retail SSD.

 

[Schnooder]

Novice needs a bit of help here. I'd like to not over-buy for unnecessary SSD hard drive capacity.

I'm coming from a late 2012 Mini. It had a 1TB HD which I've filled up a bit but not maxed out. I need the new Mac Mini as a video editing machine (though the old one, curiously, is still hanging on!). I store all my video media externally.

The new Mini will by my first experience with an SSD. My question is, can I buy a smaller internal HD (256GB or 512GB) just for applications and system software, and store the bulk of my data (photos, video, other files) on an external drive without a noticeable loss in speed? I guess I don't know just how fast Thunderbolt is, compared to having everything connected internally, or what should truly be 'maxed out' at the time of purchase.

Oh, and I plane to upgrade the RAM with aftermarket cards.

Thank you!

 

[RobbieTT]

Using a Mac mini with a large network drive behind it is far from unusual. With the new 10 GbE networking option together with a suitable NAS you can achieve SATA SSD speed over the network.

My working directory has around 15TB on it so internal storage is just not an option. My Mac mini server has 2 small 256GB SSDs in it but only around 30GB is used on each with the rest being empty / used for content caching. Same goes for my iMP which has the basic 1TB SSD array in it but hardly any of it is used for pure storage, more of a scratch working area with the NAS & server doing the rest.

 

[Schnooder]

Using a Mac mini with a large network drive behind it is far from unusual. With the new 10 GbE networking option together with a suitable NAS you can achieve SATA SSD speed over the network.

My working directory has around 15TB on it so internal storage is just not an option. My Mac mini server has 2 small 256GB SSDs in it but only around 30GB is used on each with the rest being empty / used for content caching. Same goes for my iMP which has the basic 1TB SSD array in it but hardly any of it is used for pure storage, more of a scratch working area with the NAS & server doing the rest.

Thanks Robbie! Good to know the 10GBE network option is the way to go. By 'working directory' are you referring to your system software? So, in other words, do you boot up to your internal SSD or is that also kept on your NAS & Server?

 

[RobbieTT]

Internal drive is used for boot / OS / Apps and some local storage for in-work projects. Raw files, completed work and media files all reside on the NAS along with TM backups.

Unused files go from the NAS to an archive drive and all critical files are backed-up weekly away from the NAS plus some stuff on the cloud. As my fire escape path passes by an old Time Capsule I also use that as a repository for essential personal files... as long as I remember to grab that and the wife I should be ok.

 

[smetvid]

I will never understand why somebody needs a 2TB SSD on a desktop. It’s a computer that doesn’t move. Plug in a cheap HDD or SSD for more storage. I realize some may want the simplicity of no external storage but it isn’t as if we don’t have options. Apple provides one option at a premium but there are other options and nobody is forced to buy 2TB SSD internal. I personally find it silly to pay that much just to not have a small drive sitting behind the Mac Mini.

 

[Schnooder]

I will never understand why somebody needs a 2TB SSD on a desktop. It’s a computer that doesn’t move. Plug in a cheap HDD or SSD for more storage. I realize some may want the simplicity of no external storage but it isn’t as if we don’t have options. Apple provides one option at a premium but there are other options and nobody is forced to buy 2TB SSD internal. I personally find it silly to pay that much just to not have a small drive sitting behind the Mac Mini.

I'll confess that for me, the hesitation to go external is a perhaps because of the outdated thought that any external drive is going to be much slower than an internal drive due to the old days of slower usb, FW cables, etc. I'm guessing that TB pretty much takes care of that worry and that internal vs. external is largely a moot issue with regards to speed?

 

[chinito77]

Anyone who buys a topped out MacMini from Apple is fool. Only the smart ones (Hopefully the readers on this site) will buy the custom i7 model with stock HDD and RAM. Everything else can be bought elsewhere MUCH cheaper that paying the Apple tax. I can't wait for video reviews on the new Mini. I'm buying regarding less but need 100% proof that the RAM or HDD is not soldered onto the board and can be user replaced.

 

[pastrychef]

I'll confess that for me, the hesitation to go external is a perhaps because of the outdated thought that any external drive is going to be much slower than an internal drive due to the old days of slower usb, FW cables, etc. I'm guessing that TB pretty much takes care of that worry and that internal vs. external is largely a moot issue with regards to speed?

Thunderbolt 3 has same bandwidth as PCI-e x4 which is what NVMe SSDs use.

 

[RobbieTT]

Anyone who buys a topped out MacMini from Apple is fool. Only the smart ones (Hopefully the readers on this site) will buy the custom i7 model with stock HDD and RAM. Everything else can be bought elsewhere MUCH cheaper that paying the Apple tax. I can't wait for video reviews on the new Mini. I'm buying regarding less but need 100% proof that the RAM or HDD is not soldered onto the board and can be user replaced.

Covered elsewhere but yes the RAM is user replaceable with standard SODIMMs. The SSD is not replaceable.

 

[benwiggy]

Has anyone noticed that built-in speakers seem to be missing from the Mini's specs?

 

[StellarVixen]

Has anyone noticed that built-in speakers seem to be missing from the Mini's specs?

Did Mac Mini ever have speakers of any kind?

I am more interested in Microphone, will I have to buy microphone to talk to Siri?

 

[BeatCrazy]

Did Mac Mini ever have speakers of any kind?

I am more interested in Microphone, will I have to buy microphone to talk to Siri?

Yeah it has a small speaker, can even play music (poorly).

 

[Luap]

[doublepost=1541397783][/doublepost]I don't like to call people names, but anyone who would buy this is a FOOL! Frankly this is just a smack in the face from Apple and it's rude and arrogant to charge that much. To not even have dedicated gpu? This should have a 1080ti or 2080ti, hell, even a Titan; or Radeon Pro since Apple like AMD so much. Zotac and Intel have those mini machines out now that blow this out of the water and they top out at half the cost. Apple is on some whole other sh*t lately. Saying that their new iPad Pro A12X chip can out perform most Core i7 and Xeon processors, as well as the Xbox One X. That's like comparing Apples to Escargot. I'm a PC person, will always say that a PC at the same price point will blow Apple out of the water. I do like Apple for certain things (I'm on a Mac right now), I'm an Audio Producer, so Core Audio works amazing with external devices. Even before this though, they have been screwing over people in my field with ditching PCIe, which ProTools HDX users require; many have switched over to HP Z Workstations, (which makes a maxed out iMac Pro look like an Atari BTW). I'm getting longwinded, so I'll wrap it up. The arrogance of this is enough that I will not buy another Apple product out of principle. I've been highly considering switching back to PC and this just solved that. Shame on you, Apple.

So you just registered here to tell us that you are a PC person and are switching back to PCs.. Ok..

 

[SeattleMoose]

What is apparent is the Mac Mini is no longer the cheap "entry level" low performance Mac it traditionally has been. It is now a full fledged Mac with respect to performance and can be tricked out to be a high performing computer (except for GPU limitation). A true headless Mac as opposed to a "crippled" headless Mac. But the name "Mac Mini" causes confusion about what this computer has evolved into because of what it has traditionally been. This is not your Mama's Mac Mini! It is a true Mac! And as a bonus, they kept the headphone and HDMI ports while making the RAM upgradeable.

I like the update.
[doublepost=1541620630][/doublepost]

[doublepost=1541397783][/doublepost]I don't like to call people names, but anyone who would buy this is a FOOL! Frankly this is just a smack in the face from Apple and it's rude and arrogant to charge that much. To not even have dedicated gpu?

Sorry this machine doesn't work for you. But for most consumers, a separate GPU is just an added expense. I for one, could care less. I am also into music and use Logic and the graphics are more than good enough for music production without a dedicated GPU.

Signed...a FOOL!

 

[Marshall73]

This site is confusing. Everyone has complained for years about the mini be incapable. They have also complained about lack of higher end options. They complained about soldered on ram. Apple delivered on all of that and now it’s too expensive. Maybe HP would be better suit your needs.

HP charge about the same as Apple for he same spec of HP mini PC

HP EliteDesk 800 G4 Desktop Mini PC - Customizable

Part number: 2YH16AV_MB

• Windows 10 Pro
• 8th Generation Intel® Core™ i3 processor
• 8 GB memory; 500 GB HDD storage
• Intel® UHD Graphics 630

$777.42

Not directed at you Gixxerfool, but there are some PC gaming kiddies losing their minds in this thread, hilarious.

 

[DeepIn2U]

I thought I heard them say that, but I didn't recall for sure, awesome ... and see below



Oh yeah, and here, it's clearly NOT soldered ...

View attachment 799513
[doublepost=1540919506][/doublepost]

Looks like a piece-of-cake, just like my 2012 models

Actually looking at the 2018 Mac Mini - which I find incredible value in; and will buy before XMas unless I get another MBP 13”, the SO-DIMM looks to be soggily tonremove. Y’all know that SO-DIMM has clips on either side to release RAM and looks like th winter mal mobo needs to be pulled to get at both sides of clips. Still the mini is sick!!

It's because of Apple's prices that I'd rather buy/build with Ubuntu. They are insane - and the lemmings buy into their megalomania.

Build away then. Btw Apple hasn’t treated their customers like Lemmings since that 80’s ad. We all don’t like the raising costs as customers yet as investors we’ve been loving it. If anything the raising costs show confidence apple has in their customers that they’ve been able to increase their intelligent and income exponentially over the last 12yrs to keep pace.

Thunderbolt 3 has same bandwidth as PCI-e x4 which is what NVMe SSDs use.

Sweet times indeed!!

What is apparent is the Mac Mini is no longer the cheap "entry level" low performance Mac it traditionally has been. It is now a full fledged Mac with respect to performance and can be tricked out to be a high performing computer (except for GPU limitation). A true headless Mac as opposed to a "crippled" headless Mac. But the name "Mac Mini" causes confusion about what this computer has evolved into because of what it has traditionally been. This is not your Mama's Mac Mini! It is a true Mac! And as a bonus, they kept the headphone and HDMI ports while making the RAM upgradeable.

I like the update.
[doublepost=1541620630][/doublepost]

The Mac mini in the beginning was priced accordingly based on the components being so low end. That said in comparison to a Core2Duo, performance of the OG. Was in fact a mini Mac not a crippled Mac ~ despite the common perception over the years - 4 yrs running from 2013-2017/8 not inclusive it’s been piss poor during that time.

Sorry this machine doesn't work for you. But for most consumers, a separate GPU is just an added expense. I for one, could care less. I am also into music and use Logic and the graphics are more than good enough for music production without a dedicated GPU.

Signed...a FOOL!

I’m that Fool too.

 

[Morgenland]

It's doing double duty as both Apple's "entry level desktop" and "pro standalone desktop", depending on configuration. It's fine, but I'd hoped for more, personally.

The last big swing Apple took with desktop design was the trash can Pro, and I guess Jony just got bored with the Mac after that.

I think this is the best Mac users can expect from Apple these days: incremental (and belated) internal upgrades and... a space gray exterior so you can distinguish it from a Mini from 2010. The upgradable RAM is nice, but one gets the feeling this is all in the tone of "here, this ought to keep you Mac users quiet for a while. Now excuse us while we focus all of our efforts in every other area of hardware."

"Now excuse us while we focus all of our efforts in every other area of hardware...". When they finally take care of a successor of the Cinema Display, I want to like it: Retina. 24-inch. Apple.

 

[ignatius345]

"Now excuse us while we focus all of our efforts in every other area of hardware...". When they finally take care of a successor of the Cinema Display, I want to like it: Retina. 24-inch. Apple.

Haha, yeah, I should have said "every other area of mobile hardware"...

 

[RobbieTT]

Having looked at the new Mac mini in person it really is a product designed for my home server needs. I really am rather surprised with some of the design choices Apple made but for me they could not be better. I can get a small and fast internal SSD, 16GB memory, a 6-core CPU and 10GbE networking for a serious little powerhouse at an achievable price.

A perfect replacement for my 2012 i7 2xSSD Mac mini server.

 

[revmacian]

There's no reason to buy the pricey 2TB storage option on a Mac mini that has fast I/O ports and very few people will get 64GB of RAM, (overkill for most Mac mini uses) so subtracting those extravagances, the price is a lot more reasonable.

View attachment 799548

That's likely the exact Mac mini config I'll be choosing in a couple months.

 

[RobbieTT]

My choice for server duties:

• 3.2GHz 6‑core 8th‑generation Intel Core i7 (Turbo Boost up to 4.6GHz)
• 16GB 2666MHz DDR4
• 256GB SSD storage
• 10 Gigabit Ethernet (Nbase-T Ethernet with support for 1Gb, 2.5Gb, 5Gb and 10Gb Ethernet using RJ‑45 connector)

£1,429.20 - a little steep but not a completely ridiculous price for the performance and a lot cheaper than my MBPs & (gulp) my iMac Pro.